What is Searchisweb.com?
Searchisweb.com is almost identical to Searchgle.com, Searchpause.com, and Worldonsearch.com because all of them are browser hijackers. Therefore, we advise that you remove it as soon as possible. We have classified it as a hijacker because of the simple fact that it is disseminated via malicious methods that aim to replace your browser’s homepage address without your knowledge or authorization. The reason for hijacking the homepage is simple — Searchisweb.com is designed to show promoted links in its search results. Also, it is set to collect information about you to tailor specific advertisements that would be in accordance with your interests. However, you should not expect this search engine to be useful as its primary objective is to generate advertising revenue for its owners.
What does Searchisweb.com do?
Our malware analysts at Anti-spyware-101.com have found that this browser hijacker is distributed with the help of malicious software installers that inject it into your browser without your authorization. Once on your computer, it will replace your browser’s homepage address. It is made to look like Google.com as it features its signature color scheme, but instead of saying “Google” it says “Search” and has a small magnifying glass next to this text. However, it uses Google Custom Search, so all of your search queries will be processed by Google. However, the problem is that the search results can be altered to include additional promotional links of unknown origin. Therefore, there is no way of knowing whether the search results are safe and will not redirect you to scam sites or websites that feature malicious downloads. Remember, this search engine is used for making money, so as long as the clients pay Searchisweb.com’s owners will promote almost anything to make more money.
Our malware researchers think that this hijacker should collect information about you as well. While Searchisweb.com does not have a Privacy Policy that usually states what kind of information is collected, researchers say that this hijacker should, at the very least, collect anonymous information such as your IP address, browsing history, entered search queries, browser type, and approximate geographical location. This information is used to customize the advertisements and make them more appealing and generate more advertising revenue as a result. Now, that we know how this hijacker works and what its intents and purposes are, let us move on to its distribution methods.
Where does Searchisweb.com come from?
Another reason to get rid of Searchisweb.com is the fact that it comes from an unknown publisher. In fact, there is next to no information about its origins which leads us to believe that this search engine is highly unreliable even if we disregard its shady promotional links. As mentioned in the introduction, this hijacker has several clones, and we are positive that we will see more of them in the near future. Indeed, as expected, we see an emergence of a new browser hijacker family that will make it its objective to produce as many hijackers as possible to earn money.
As mentioned, it seems that this particular browser hijacker is being distributed using malicious software installers that inject it into your web browser without your knowledge or consent. Researchers say that these installers come with several applications and additional software may be checked to install by default or the installer might not allow you to deselect its installation at all. If that is the case, then that is how you can get Searchisweb.com.
How do I remove Searchisweb.com?
However, if your computer has become infected with this browser hijacker, then you should get rid of it because it can compromise your computer’s security since its advertisements come from unknown sources. This alleged search engine was made by an unknown developer, so there is no telling with whom it can do business with. To erase it, you can use a sophisticated anti-malware application or the removal instructions we have provided for you below.
Change the homepage address manually
Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Press Windows+R keys.
- Type regedit in the dialog box.
- Click OK.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
- Locate the Start Page, right-click it and click Modify.
- In the Value data line, enter a new homepage address.
Google Chrome
- Press Windows+E keys.
- Enter C:\Users\{User name}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default in the address line and hit Enter.
- Find Preferences, Secure Preferences and Web Data files.
- Right-click each of them, select Open with and choose Notepad.
- Replace http://searchisweb.com in all strings.
- Save and Close.
Mozilla Firefox
- Press Windows+E keys.
- Type C:\Users\{User name}\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles in the address line and hit Enter.
- Enter the {Unique Mozilla ID} folder.
- Find prefs.js, right-click it and select Open with and choose Notepad.
- Find and replace http://searchisweb.com in the user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://searchisweb.com"); string.
- Save and Close.
tested removal of Searchisweb.com*
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